New fuel cell keeps on going even once the fuel's dried up

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/01/new-fuel-cell-keeps-on-going-even-once-the-fuels-dried-up/

Vanadium oxide seems to be the go-to guy in power storage right now. A new solid-oxide fuel cell -- developed at Harvard's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences -- that can also store energy like a battery, also uses the stuff. In the new cell, by adding a VOx layer it allows the SOFC to both generate and store power. Example applications would be situations where a lightweight power source is required, with the potential to provide reserve juice should the main fuel source run out. The team who developed the cell usually work with platinum-based SOFCs, but they can't store a charge for much more than 15 seconds. By adding the VOx, this proof of concept extended that by 14 times, with the potential for more lifespan with further development. Especially handy if you're always running out of sugar.

New fuel cell keeps on going even once the fuel's dried up originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 01 Jul 2012 06:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink PhysOrg  |  ACS Pubs  | Email this | Comments